‘Scandal’ Recap, Season 3, Episode 8, ‘Vermont Is for Lovers, Too’

By

Cicely K. Dyson

Nov 21, 2013 11:11 pm ET

When lies and threats don’t get you what you want, try a little tenderness. That’s the new tactic everyone on “Scandal” tried this week. Commanding Liv to talk to him wasn’t working, so Fitz buttered her up with a Vermont country house and jam. When yelling at James to do what he says got him no where, Cyrus strokes his husband’s ego to get blackmail material on the VP’s husband. And when the threats of sending her away sent Mama Pope into a self-harming freak show, Papa Pope soothed her with news clippings of their daughter.

Being tender can backfire, too. The house isn’t the answer, pimping ain’t easy and news clips aren’t family photos.